Eriksson eyes top-two finish

UK Athletics head coach Peter Eriksson is targeting a top-two finish at the European Team Championships in Gateshead later this month.

Eriksson will name his team later on Wednesday and believes the team, strengthened by some emerging young talent, is in a good state.

"I will be happy if we are in the top two and if we can even win it then great," he said. "Third place would be okay but the higher the better."

He added: "I think the sport in general is in a better state than it has been, with some promising upcoming athletes. Everything is there for great success in the future.

"I believe the team can achieve better results in 2016 than they did last year with the new generation coming through."

Triple jumper Phillips Idowu has put himself forward for consideration despite having competed only once since the London Olympics, Eriksson revealed.

Idowu, 34, has registered his interest in being part of the British team and is targeting the world championships in Moscow in August.

"We will see what the selection is tomorrow but he has shown interest to be part of the team," Eriksson told Press Association Sport.

Idowu and Eriksson's predecessor Charles van Commenee fell out in spectacular style but the current head coach - who is himself leaving next month - has had no such issues.

Eriksson added: "I have never had any problems in capturing his interest. We have had a good contact, I have met with him several times and he has said all along that he is focused on the World Championships. He's in a good environment, training well and he's on the road."